Thesis presentation day marked the transition to professional life

Thesis projects on hydropower, sustainable energy systems and advanced engineering materials were in focus when student affairs at the Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics presented their theses at Luleå University of Technology. For many, the day also marked the end of several years of studies and the beginning of working life.

One of the student affairs presenters was Sara Nerpin, who is studying the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program. Her work focused on rotordynamic analysis of journal bearings in hydropower applications. For her, the thesis presentation day marked a clear transition from student life to the next step in her professional career. The experience of working with advanced technical challenges and exploring entirely new areas is something she will carry with her into the future.

“I think the most important thing I take with me is that even complex problems can be solved. When you are faced with something new it can feel difficult at first, but if you take the time to understand the problem and are not afraid to ask for help, most things can be solved,” says Sara Nerpin.

Sara Nerpin has already secured a job after graduation and is now starting the next stage of her career as an engineer.

Working with real-world challenges

The degree projects are often carried out in close collaboration with companies and organisations, giving students the opportunity to work with real engineering challenges.

For Sara Nerpin, the thesis project also became proof of the knowledge and problem-solving skills she had developed throughout her studies.

“I am especially proud of my thesis project because I took on an area that was completely new to me and managed to solve the problem in a very good way,” says Sara Nerpin.

Presentations from several programmes

A total of 45 students presented their degree projects during this year’s thesis presentation day, with 37 students participating on site and 8 presenting digitally via Zoom.

Students from the master's programs in mechanical engineering, sustainable energy engineering and engineering physics and electrical engineering participated together with student from the bachelor's program in automotive systems engineering and the master's program in engineering materials.